Michelle + Bret { married! }

May 2, 2009 ~ Michelle and Bret had a perfect day in Grand Haven ~ bright sunshine, cool breeze, friends, family, love.  Michelle and Bret were introduced to me by their maid of honor, Ashley.  It’s always such an honor to be referred, and it meant so much to me to be referred by another photographer.  (Thank you again!)  I’m so glad we met, I just LOVE them, their bridal party, their families, everyone!  We all had a great time, and everyone was ready and willing to pose for my cameras.  It was awesome, and made for some great images!  :)  I started with the ladies, who were getting ready, and helping Michelle into her gorgeous gown!

.gorgeous.

Seriously LOVE these girls!  So Fierce!  ;)

Michelle and Bret chose to see each other before the ceremony, which I just love.  We did a First Look, which gives the couple a special private moment when they see each other for the first time.  I snuck Michelle outside and asked Bret to wait just a few minutes…

She heard him coming…

He saw the train of her dress from the doorway and had to pause for a moment… Then he saw her for the first time.  ::swoon!::

I gave them a few minutes, and then we went into a bride/groom session, then invited the rest of the bridal party out.  These guys are so fun and cute, but totally know how to work it!  Rawr!

A friend of theirs made the flowers and bouts – aren’t they gorgeous?  She should SO be in business.  ;)

We had some extra time (yay!) so we hit up the beach!

Back at the church, the girls touched up their makeup, adjusted her veil, and it was time.

Michelle’s dad walked her down the aisle.  Look at these faces – seeing each other beforehand doesn’t take anything away from this moment.  Not at all.  ::swooning again!::

Married!  The newlyweds got a ride in a firetruck (awesome!) and the rest of us walked down to Harbourfront for the reception.  It was a gorgeous day!  The bridal party and I ran off for some quick pictures downtown and by the water.  Since we already had most of our pictures taken earlier, we were able to just have fun and get some fast chic shots – their guests didn’t have to wait around – they barely noticed we were gone!

Their reception was filled with good music, good food, adorable cupcakes, cute centerpieces featuring engagement pictures that Ashley took, as well as dancing, laughing, happy people  :)

Between dances, we took some fun-glam pictures outside on the deck

I was envisioning this totally rockin’ dramatic pose, so I set them both up, and then got this face from Bret – I might actually like it better, because it’s SO him – ha!  :)

Ahh, there we go.  THIS is what I had in mind.  Hotness!!

Thank you thank you thank you for SUCH a fun day!  Love you guys, and I wish you the very best.  Congratulations!!